[Page 150]
34 [341] Pitt Street,
Sydney,
2nd. March 1815.
Dear Mr. Pearce;
Now that the composition of the 3rd. Australian Imperial Expeditionary Force has been determined upon, doubtless the selection of Officers for Brigade Commands is receiving consideration.
As you are already aware, I am an applicant, and perhaps I may be forgiven for reminding you that in my despatch of 28th November last from Rabaul, I asked to be relieved of the post of Administrator, and to be allowed to return to Australia at the same time as the troops under my command, with a view to further Military service in Europe.
On the 7th January I received a message from you that my request had been complied with, and I was directed to hand over the Administration to Colonel Pethebridge, which I did on the following day, and left almost immediately for Australia.
My Military history and past services in the interests of the Empire are well known, particularly to the Chief of the General Staff, to whom I respectfully refer you, and confidently leave my case in your hands.
Yours sincerely,
[William Holmes]
[Mr Pearce was Minister for Defence]